Busy week...Aiken is in full swing!

We had quite the busy week here in Aiken. I'd say we're officially in full swing. It's a great problem to have, but we had two competitions running simultaneously this week in which horses were competing.

The first of which, PSJ's High Fields jumper show, was supposed to start up for us on Thursday with the welcome stakes for Wishfull. Due to the tremendous rain the class was delayed to Friday. Unfortunately, Wishfull had to be put on hold being that Friday we were out at Pine Top in Tompson, Ga for Tali's (Crown Talisman owned by Doug and Larry and Amelia Ross) first event of the year.

With all of the horses the first outing is always a little bit touch and go at times. Tali in the intermediate and very good, actually better than he's ever been early in the year. I did have the unfortunate draw placing us in the far ring, nearest to the cross country warm up. Every time we'd head in that direction, he wanted desperately to take a peek. Regardless, he finished up very well. We were sitting in 3rd following dressage on a 32. Not a bad start to the year. He jumped great in both SJ and XC. I took my time on XC being his first run of the year. No need to risk injury!

Tali on XC - Photo via Facebook - Cynthia Lawler/horsejunkiesunited.com

Saturday brought the JV team to Pine Top all of which were at training level. TopGun aka Gunnar (owned by Nicole Carolan), Cellar Door aka Little Leo (owned by Jane Dudinsky) and Lysander aka Big Leo (owned by Kristen Michaloski and Doug). All three were a little up, as to be expect but all put in very respectable tests.


The day finished well with show jumping. I had one rail with Big Leo...completely my fault! Like I said before, have to knock the rust off some how. The rest of them jumped classy clear rounds.

 

Topgun photo by Samantha Clark/eventingnation.com

Sunday brought with it the most chaos! We had the three JV's XC rounds' start times shifted around a bit, by the one and only Gwen Urbanik, in order to finish up by just after 1pm. All the horses jumped great clears. The finished up as follows: Tali 7th, Little Leo 11th, Big Leo 5th and Gunnar 4th. Little Leo last to go got a quick cool down in order to get back to Aiken for at 2:30 start to the $10k 1.30m mini prix. For those unaware, Pine Top is just over an hour west of Aiken.

So we were running tight! Thanks to Michelle who runs our operation and Sally who was able to give Wishfull a ride to the show we made it just in time. I was not able to walk, but was able to see the first horse in to see how the course would ride. Wishfull jumped better than he's jumped to date. He is one exceptional horse. Whoever ends up purchasing him will be one lucky rider!

Wishfull-V in the $10k 1.30m Mini Prix

Tomorrow starts the USEF training sessions. Tali is scheduled for dressage 3:15 tomorrow and 11:45 Wed, jumping 9:00 am Thursday. Reports soon to follow!

We also had another huge milestone passed this week. Amazingly Running Order's video from Rolex last year has just passed 100,000 views! Incredible, I can't wait to watch he and William Fox-Pitt in action this spring. William has him aimed at a spring 3*.

 

First Podcast for '13 is up...

We've been on a show jumping tear so far here in Aiken. The full results are listed on the bio page: www.dpequestrian.com/bio but the highlights from the past few week are as follows. Little Leo, Big Leo and Gunnar finished 1,2,3 at Highfields and Wishfull and Tali finished 2,3 in the final unrated mini prix at PSJ here in town.

Ryder and Wishfull

This past week started with a trip down to Ocala for some jumping. Wishfull again was excellent in the 1.30m classes. Jess and Trevor also came along and jumped great.



I finished up the week judging an event at Sporting Days farm here in Aiken. Joanna always puts on a great show, and with 4 rings running all day it was very well attended.

This coming week we're headed back to PSJ as well as Pine Top for our first event of the year.

Podcast #23 is now posted here...or subscribe on your podcast app www.dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml

Quick update... DPEquestrian has been nominated for the ESMA '13!!

I've just received an email from the Equestrian Social Media Awards indicating that our YouTube channel has been nominated as one of the top 10 on the web! Click Here to vote! 

I have to say I think my favorite for the year is below.

 

Check back in a bit for more details. Our season is finally under way here in Aiken.

Virtus-DPE

I always find it funny how things happen to fall into place. Just as official word hit EN, Horse and Hound and the Chronicle of the Horse detailing the sale of Running Order to World #1 William Fox-Pitt Virtus-DPE was well into its formation.

It was inconceivable to me when forming our initial syndicate for Running Order that I'd be in the position that I am today without him. While all appeared in sorted, I will never forget watching the trailer leave the farm with him and the prior years hopes, aspirations and hard work. A tremendously difficult pill to swallow, I do find comfort knowing he is in the best hands in the world. I can't wait to see him out competing next year, and I'm determined to make the best of this situation!

Out of it all rose Virtus-DPE. Why Virtus?

Wikipedia defines it as follows:  
Virtus was a specific virtue in Ancient Rome. It carries connotations of valor, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and worth, perceived as masculine strengths (from Latin vir, "man"). It was thus a frequently stated virtue of Roman emperors, and was personified as a deity.

Virtus personified by our syndicate is my goal. I'm very lucky so far to have 7 members who have decided to join me in this venture. We're still looking for 3 more, so what's in it for you?!

The syndicate wave has hit eventing, but most are geared toward one goal competition with one horse. Virtus-DPE is structured and geared to develop a string of horses capable of successfully competing and winning at the highest levels of eventing, with the ultimate goal of representing the United States in international competition. While the path to international success will certainly have its challenges, we are attacking them head on with a two pronged approach. Our initial purchases are aimed at one 7-8 year old and one 4-5 year old both with exceptional talent and the look of a champion. With horses at different stages in the game, we'll have a constant stream of exciting news and activities along the way.

I've always enjoyed developing horses from the ground up. To me it appears as the only way to get top class horses under our wing without breaking the bank. Ultimately the very best horses are not for sale regardless of age or price! For those who have not seen this before, this was a video I produced detailing Running Order's progression a shining example of what is possible.



With two horses taking on the eventing world, we're bound to get there soon. If you are intrigued and would like more information please don't hesitate to contact me at doug@dpequestrian.com or 908.399.9112.

Ocala Horse Trials

I'm sitting in the airport restaurant in Orlando waiting for my flight returning to NJ following an excellent weekend at the Ocala Horse Properties Horse Trials. I was down to act as the TD for the weekend. A big thanks has to go out to both Jon Holling and Peter Grey for putting on a class competition under their company EquiVentures. I don't want to forget the countless other volunteers that helped, who without we'd have no sport at all!

This serves as the last major date on my schedule for the year. We may have a schooling show or two in the coming weeks, but this was a perfect end to an eventful year. With the cold weather arriving, we've been ironing out our schedule for 2013 as well as our winter farm plans etc.

Next week, Jess and I are heading down to Aiken for Thanksgiving with her parents. I'm going to use the opportunity to visit the farm we're renting for the winter season. I'm very excited, it's a 16 stall center isle barn with plenty of turnout as well as riding areas. It should be the perfect base to work from for years to come.

Earlier in the week, I picked up two new horses who will be joining us for the winter. One from Jane Dudinsky, who owned both Lord Baltimore as well as Getalong Maggie. Jane's horse was again started by Kip Hollaway who's done a wonderful job getting him going. Leo or Little Leo as he'll be known at our place has done a bunch of training level events and is ready to move up to prelim in the spring. The second is a coming 4 year old, named Eli, owned by Kristen Burgers, who also owns Royal Tribute. He is ready to get going in his competitive career.

We still do have room for one more horse down in Aiken. If you have any questions, or would like information about our training and competition program please don't hesitate to email or call at 908-399-9112. 

Doug, Jon Holling, Cathy Slaterback, Peter Grey

Fair Hill 2012 - Update and Podcast

We had a great weekend at Fair Hill. Tali finished up in 4th out of 74 in the CCI**. I couldn't be prouder of him. He hadn't had a run since Millbrook which makes this result even more impressive!

Leo had a great outing finishing 5th in the YEH-5 finals. He's an exceptional horse with a very bright future. Keep an eye on him, he's one to watch without a doubt!

I've got a bit more detail as well as some other stories of the weekend on this week's podcast. Listen or subscribe with your podcast player by entering the following url: http://dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml

The Fair Hill CCI** and YEH-5 has officially begun!

Jess, Tali, Big Leo and of course the dogs and I arrived yesterday to Fair Hill. Yesterday afternoon/evening was spent unpacking and attending a USEF active athletes meeting where David O'Connor gave the initial presentation of the US team of the future.  I'm very excited to have an opportuntiy to play a part. I think he's going to do a fablious job.

We had a leisurely morning this am, spent riding both horses and setting up the barns. Up next was the first riders meeting where we all meet the ground jury as well as get a number of housekeeping details ironed out.

The CCI** jog was also held today. Tali was his usually expressive self, jogged great down the strip and then as we turned he realized he was flanked by a massive tent and flags. He began levitating and spinning...as he would...settled and continued in a flamboyant passage.

Tomorrow is the start of the Young Event horse competition. Leo is up at 9:10. Tali gets another quiet day, his dressage is set for 2:27 on Friday.

Tali and Jess just following the Jogs

Morven Park Bound

We're on the way down to Virginia for our final run prior to the Fair Hill CCI** and YEH-5 Championships.

Unfortunately, Tali is not joining us this weekend. Two days ago he came in from the field with a swollen eye. Upon inspection our Vet, Dr. Staller, prescribed a course of medication which would make competing impossible. His eye was looking good this morning, so luckily we were able to fit in another gallop. Although it's not an ideal lead up to a 2* I think we'll be in great shape in 2 weeks time.

Along with us to Morven is Lysander aka Big Leo who is entered in the Preliminary which will serve as his last run before the 5 yr old championships. In addition to Leo is Artie. Artie is entered in the training, he is a horse who arrived a month or so back and is being offered for sale. He's an exceptional athlete, he's competed through Prelim in Germany before arriving in the states. I've now shown him in the 1.20m jumpers. This will be his first event in the country. Pictures and videos are posted on our sale page www.dpequestrian.com/forsale

Keep in touch for this weekends results...by the looks of it, it's going to be a great weekend!

-D

AEC's, Tali's foot, Hunter Farms and more

Lysander aka Big Leo owned by myself and Kristin Michaloski won the 2012 American Eventing Championships in the Training Horse division! He was exceptionally good winning wire to wire on a 22.7!

Big Leo at the Awards Ceremony at the AEC's (Photo Hoofclix)

Dressage (Score of 22.7) (Photo Hoofclix)

XC (Photo Hoofclix)

SJ (Photo Hoofclix)

Following his success at the AEC's Leo is headed to Morven Park next week in the prelim then on to the USEA Young Event Horse 5yr old finals at the Fair Hill CCI in a month.

Leo wasn't the only one to have a great weekend. Royal Tribute aka the Prodigy owned by Kristen Burgers, Larry and Amelia Ross and myself finished the weekend up 7th in the Preliminary Horse. He was also leading after dressage, he managed to match Leo's 22.7! He was great on xc as well, especially considering the conditions we dealt.

1st Place after Dressage 22.7! (Photo Hoofclix)

The fog on XC was amazing! (Photo Hoofclix)

SJ (Photo Hoofclix)

We finished up the weekend with pair of unfortunate rails, but he doesn't owe us anything. He's had an incredible year. He earns a well deserved vacation wrapping 2012 up with 5 wins, 2 seconds (1 CCI* and 1 HT) and a 7th at the AEC's not bad for 9 prelim starts!


On other news Tali is back. Below is a current photo of his LF, we're finally back in work and preparing for Morven and the Fair Hill CCI** in a month. He somehow caught himself on XC at Millbrook, it was a nasty cut requiring stitches as well as staples. Thankfully, Tali is an excellent patient and does a remarkable job of healing! I also have to thank our friends at SpectraVet Laser's for their help. He feels great and should be ready to go for next week!

Current Photo

Roughly a week after Millbrook

On to jumping, we wrapped up today Wishfull-V showing for the week at Princeton. He's one incredible horse finishing the $2,500 1.30m class at Princeton in 3rd Place!

HITS - CWD - Working Student and More

We've just wrapped up a very good week. We're finally heading out of the black hole that has been the past month or so. Our brand new syndicate is very quickly forming, our two horses attack is taking shape.

We have a few new members joining our group which is, without a doubt, the most exciting project I've been involved with to date. If you'd like to join us your time is quickly running out. Contact me at doug@dpequestrian.com or 908.399.9112 for details.

Wednesday and Friday we made the trip up to HITS Saugraties with Wishfull-V owned by Amy Hentenaar. Wednesday we started off with the level 5 and 6's. Following strong performances in both Friday we bumped him up to the Level 6 and 7's. Below are photos and video of the 7's (1.40m/4'6") where he placed 6th. Wishfull is tentatively slated for the $35,000 grand prix at Princeton in a few weeks time.

Appropriately we got a great shot over the CWD oxer. Friday was my first show in the brand new 2G saddle. I can't say enough, this saddle is excellent!! The crazy thing is it's only going to get better as it breaks in for real.

We're also have an opening for a new working student. We're looking for someone who is fun loving, hard working and wants to learn. Ideally this person could stay with us for a year period or more. If you are interested or would like more info please contact me or Jess at jess@dpequestrian.com or 615-477-1773.

Moving on from the Running Order Era at DPE

Photo by Sommer Wilson via Facebook

I'm not sure I can adequately put into words the disappointment and disheartenment I've felt over the past few weeks over the loss of Running Order from DPE. As nearly everyone in the eventing world is aware, I've been in the process of forming a syndicate to purchase Running Order. Syndication is a difficult process; no one likes to ask for support, but it is a necessary evil in the modern sport. We were able to form a great group of supporters to purchase him, but due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to do so.

Running Order has been a part of my life for 4 1/2 years. He has taken me places I couldn't have dreamed about the day he arrived in April of '08. I am forever indebted to him for the experience I've gained through his efforts. Things happen for a reason in life and as hard as this one was to swallow, I'm beginning to see the light. During Richland Park this past weekend, we had the opportunity to speak with David O'Connor. He told us that this very well might be the best thing that has happened to me. His advice correlated strongly with that of a number of other riders who have been in this situation before, all encouraging me to move forward.

With all of this in mind, I'm getting more and more excited about the future of DPE. Running Order was just about the closest thing to a sure bet that we'd get to the top. I'm now in the process of reforming our syndicate to purchase two horses. The ultimate goal is to reach the top of the sport, and with two horses involved our odds of success will be significantly higher. Their current levels of competition don't really matter, as long as they are the most talented horses available. We have a great track record of getting the most out of our horses.

I've never been in the fortunate position of seeking out a horse; in the past I have worked with whatever horses I happen to come across. I'm very excited about finally getting this wonderful opportunity, made better by sharing this process with my most ardent supporters. My friends will inevitably get tired of hearing me describe how great these horses are, but syndicate members will not!

I'm looking for people who would like to join this new syndicate. This new group's goal is to purchase one horse who is roughly at the intermediate/CCI** level and one who is just beginning the process (5 yr old-Training). If either horse reaches its maximum potential before the 4* level, the goal would be to find him an appropriate home and reinvest the funds into a suitable replacement.

Would you like to join us? If so, send me an email or give me a call at 908.399.9112. I am looking for a motivated group of people who are excited to join the process and want to win! I fully intend to make the best of this unfortunate situation and ask you to support my journey to the top. Each shareholder will own a portion of each horse. The initial buy-in will be roughly 15-20k with an annual maintenance fee of 4k. This will allow each shareholder to have a stake in two horses for the price of one.
Best Regards,
-D

DPE Podcast #18 is live...

Lysander aka Big Leo at his first Prelim (Stuart HT) Photo thanks to Sumner Crosby

This weeks Podcast includes a recap of a crazy week which started off at Stuart then back to NJ, off to Ohio, Judging at Fitches and more. We're also looking for a working student as well as 3 more participants in Running Orders Syndicate.

Click on the following link: http://www.dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml or search DPEquestrian in iTunes.

Stuart Update Day #3

Simon in the OI XC - Photo via Twitter by

@copperlegend

We are just finishing up with cross country day for training and up here at the Stuart Horse Trials. It has been a great week so far with Show Jumping still to come tomorrow.

I'm riding four horses here: Running Order, Lysander (Leo), Arbor Hill (Timeless) and Shining North Star (Simon). Two others came along with us from the barn, Kristin Michaloski riding Kilamanjaro (Hughie) and Nicole Carolan riding Topgun (Gunnar).

Stuart is Running Order's first run since Rolex, it's great to have him back in action. His dressage was decidedly sub-par, we had some rust to knock off. There were some moments that were quite good, but some others where his excitement derailed us from having a winning test. Not to worry, he'll be back in top form soon. His cross country, however was an entirely different story. He hardly put a foot wrong today in a beautiful clear around Derek's CIC** track.

Simon was next out, he too was a little too excited about his arrival here to put in a winning dressage test, but he certainly made up for it on XC. He is one of the most fun horses to gallop and jump that I've ever ridden, he lived up to that reputation here today. He wasn't backed off anything, he made easy work of the intermediate track.

Leo might get the gold star for the weekend so far. After making easy work of his 4 training level events this spring he made the big move up to prelim here. He started off extremely well finishing 2nd in dressage. I didn't know what to expect, but this was a huge and exciting surprise! I would not say this is the most ideal track to move up, Leo proved he belonged! He jumped around today very well, we had a few green moments to be expected, but he impressed me. He's going to be a very good horse in a few years time. I think he's going to try to steal the Prodigy's YEH-5 title this fall!

Timeless is last but not least, this was his first event ever. He has now successfully made the transition from the hunters to eventing finishing the novice here in 4th place! He also won the Irish Draught Horse Society's award for the highest place horse of Irish decent. Not a bad result for his very first time out!

Kristin is in great shape with Hughie, she was less than 2 points out of the lead after dressage and jumped around clean today with the best XC yet. Nicole finished up her weekend yesterday with her second win in a row with Gunnar in the Novice!

We start up tomorrow at 8 with the CIC** jogs.

There are a bunch of photos of all of the horses already posted on Stuart's website here.

-D

Running Order's Syndicate is Taking Shape!

**UPDATE: We have 7 of the 10 shares currently spoken for, if you have any questions at all feel free to email or call.**

Patti Springsteen, Running Order's long time owner has decided it's best to devote her limited free time to her family. I am very thankful for her support to through the years, but it has come time that I seek alternate ownership for RO.

2012 Rolex CCI**** - Photo by Lindsay Berreth

I have to say this has been one of the most stressful times in my career to date. I want to be clear that I'm thankful for me and my horses health, and I fully understand that things could always be significantly worse! Running Order has be an integral part of our family now for 4 years. He is a tremendous athlete just approaching is prime. He's a character around the barn, frankly he's an attention whore! He's not happy unless someone or something is paying attention to him.

It is a shame that an emotional bond between rider and horse can be torn apart so quickly. Although it's a fact of life, I don't have the financial resources to secure Running Order for myself. I've been very lucky to gain the support of a number of owners over the past few years, without them I wouldn't be here today.

I truly believe that luck and success are made not given, so it's time to put together a group of caring, dedicated and fun loving people to join in this journey with us.

Last week I posted a video detailing his journey to the top, keep in mind while watching, this is just the start! Running Order is just 10 years old, he's proven that he can contend with the best in the world. He could very well be competing at the top for the next 6-9 years!

This syndicate will be formed with 10 shares. Syndicate details can be found at the Event Owner's Task Force's website by clicking here. USEF's Event Owners Task Force has done an admirable job forming a solid legal framework which will both protect and clearly explain all expected by all parties. The goal in this formation is to allow Running Order and me the opportunity to contend for the US team for years to come.

If you are interested in more information please don't hesitate to contact me at doug@dpequestrian or 908.399.9112.

Best Regards,
Doug

PS

I was contacted by Running Order's breeder Joan O'Brien, she just posted his first Race in Ireland. I've also attached the video from Rolex Kentucky CCI**** this spring.

Running Order's First Race in Ireland

2012 Rolex Kentucky CCI****

1 4* horse in 18 mins and a 13.2 in dressage?!

This has been in the works now for some years, I finally had a moment and the footage to finally compile the time lapse.

Running Order's 4 years @ DPEquestrian

Running Order often steals the show, but Leo made a very strong case for the top slot over the weekend. Although he didn't get the top slot on the post, Jess gave him the fridge. He finished the weekend on a 13.2! I've only had one sub 20 score before, but nothing like this!

Click on the photo to enlarge!

Leo wasn't the only one who had a great weekend. Kristin Michaloski who coincidentally owns Leo with me finished 4th with Hughie. Nicole Carolan won her Novice division with Gunnar with a classy 23. Larry Ross who happens to own a share of both Crown Talisman and Royal Tribute nearly won his Novice division after leading in the dressage. A few time penalties dropped him to 6th, but still very impressive for his first event of the year!

We have a quiet weekend coming up, but Stuart is on the near horizon!